Some scholars claim that the entire story is fiction, and there is no question that earlier writers hugely embellished this popular and frequently retold story.

BlessedCharlemagne dreamed he was saved from death by a wild boar during a hunt by the appearance of a child who promised to save if Charlemagne would clothe him. The bishop of Nevers explained that the child was Cyriacus, and that he wanted the emperor to repair the roof of Saint Cyr’s cathedral. This led to the Cyriacus’ representation as a naked child riding a wild boar.